The Big Conversation - our climate and energy dilemma

Join Engineers Australia’s Sustainable Engineering Society and University of Technology Sydney for ‘The Big Conversation' on the significant risks that climate change poses for our social, financial, and energy systems. These risks are serious, but there are amazing opportunities to be achieved through an urgent re-framing of our economy. Ian Dunlop, a global leader in advising on these risks, will be our eminent speaker followed by Q&A panel to discuss the opportunities.

Join Engineers Australia’s Sustainable Engineering Society and University of Technology Sydney for ‘The Big Conversation' on the significant risks that climate change poses for our social, financial, and energy systems. These risks are serious, but there are amazing opportunities to be achieved through an urgent re-framing of our economy. Ian Dunlop, a global leader in advising on these risks, will be our eminent speaker followed by Q&A panel to discuss the opportunities.

In the lead-up to the Paris Climate Change negotiations last December, much new scientific material was published, ranging from the IPCC 5th Assessment Report, to major reviews by Academies of Science, the military, as well as multiple new peer reviewed scientific reports.

Many scientists are advising that to avoid catastrophic outcomes we must take emergency action now to halt new fossil-fuel investment, and to rapidly wean ourselves off established fossil-fuel use. We have solutions, but thus far have lacked the will to implement them. Can leadership come from the political and corporate incumbency? Or will greater pressure from the the community be needed. In this regard particular leadership from informed professions such as engineers, scientists, and from the investor community will be essential.

Eminent SpeakerIan Dunlop

Ian is formerly a senior oil, gas and coal executive, chair of the Australian Coal Association and CEO of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He chaired the Australian Coal Associations in 1987-88. From 1998-2000 he chaired the Australian Greenhouse Office Experts Group on Emissions Trading which developed the first emissions trading system design for Australia. From 1997 to 2001 he was CEO of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Ian has a particular interest in the interaction of corporate governance, corporate responsibility and sustainability.

Q&A

A Q&A panel will follow Ian's presentation on this critical topic, where engineers are challenged each day to ensure they are working towards a sustainable long future.